Ex-teacher N. Gordes Dies At 63

Neil G. Gordes, a math and computer teacher at Newington High School for more than 30 years who was on the Rocky Hill Town Council and school board, has died. He was 63.

Gordes graduated from Newington High School in 1960. He started teaching almost immediately after earning a bachelor of science degree from Central Connecticut State University in 1965. He continued his education while teaching, earning a master of science degree from CCSU in 1969 and a certificate in advanced graduate study in 1973. He retired from teaching in 1999.

Gordes was a life member of the National Education Association, the Connecticut Education Association, the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut and the Hartford County Retired Teachers Association.

Gordes, who died at home in Rocky Hill Wednesday with his family by his side, had lived there for 35 years.

``He liked to work in the community and donate his time. That was how he gave to charity,'' said Gordes' wife, Barbara Gordes.

Gordes had been a member of the Rocky Hill Democratic Town Committee, the Rocky Hill Lions Club, the school board, the town council, the fair rent commission and the open space and wetlands commission. He was a member of Mensa International, which requires members to attain a score on an intelligence test in the upper 2 percent of the population.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill.